UK Government Launches National LGBT Survey

The UK Government Equalities Office have launched a National LGBT survey as part of a their New Action to Promote LGBT Equality.

Launched on Sunday (23rd July) by the Minister for Women and Equalities Justine Greening, the survey hopes to reach the estimated 1.5 million LGBT people in the UK, giving us the opportunity to share opinions and experiences about public services and policies. PinkNews reports that over 60,000 people have already taken part.

The anonymous survey is open to everyone who: identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex, or has a minority sexual orientation or gender identity; is 16 years old or over; and is living in the UK. The survey can be found here.

The Government hopes it will allow them to understand the experiences of LGBT individuals across the UK – including how much discrimination is faced – and will help to identify how public services, such as health and education, can be improved for LGBT users. The survey runs until 15 October.

It comes alongside other measures intended to deliver greater equality for the LGBT community ahead of the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality. These focus on the broad consultation of the legal system that underpins gender transition, the Gender Recognition Act, and the reduction of the deferral blood donation period for men who have sex with men.

The Rt Hon Justine Greening MP said: “This government is committed to building an inclusive society that works for everyone, no matter what their gender or sexuality and today we’re taking the next step forward

“We will build on the significant progress we have made over the past 50 years, tackling some of the historic prejudices that still persist in our laws and giving LGBT people a real say on the issues affecting them.”

Ruth Hunt, Chief Executive of Stonewall, has expressed support for the announcement, saying:

“We’re pleased the Government recognises there is still more to be done to ensure all lesbian, gay, bi and trans people are accepted without exception, and welcome the announcement of new measures to tackle some of the remaining inequalities. The consultation on reforming the Gender Recognition Act is hugely encouraging.

She added: “The 2004 Act was ground-breaking in giving trans people a way to have their gender legally recognised, but the process is in dire need of reform. We need a simple process which isn’t medicalised, intrusive or demeaning. We would urge the Government to ensure that all trans communities are consulted and to act quickly on their concerns.”